Frederic Melton
Listeria is a rare bacterial infection that usually goes away on its own but can cause serious illness and even death in vulnerable people. It is generally transmitted by eating contaminated food, especially chilled, ready-to-eat foods, and is often linked to soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as queso fresco, feta, brie, Camembert, and blue cheese. So, what does listeria look like in cheese, and how can consumers protect themselves from this potentially deadly pathogen?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | No specific information on the appearance of listeria in cheese |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, seizures, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, life-threatening infection of the newborn |
| Populations at risk | Pregnant women, newborns, adults 65 or older, people with weakened immune systems |
| Treatment | Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin |
| Prevention | Pasteurization, cooking cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F or steaming hot, proper food handling and sanitation, maintaining a refrigerator temperature of 40° F (4° C) or below, maintaining a freezer temperature of 0° F (-18° C) or below |
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What You'll Learn
Listeria in cheese: Who is at risk?
Listeria is most likely to affect those with weaker immune systems, such as pregnant women, newborns, and adults aged 65 or older. In fact, listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection for the newborn.
Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water, animal feces, and raw milk. It can survive refrigeration and even freezing, and it can contaminate many types of soft cheeses, including queso fresco, cotija, feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco. Outbreaks of listeria infection have been linked to these cheeses, with queso fresco being identified as a particular source of concern.
Those at higher risk of serious infection should avoid eating foods likely to contain listeria bacteria. This includes soft cheeses, which are more likely to be contaminated than hard cheeses due to their high moisture content and low acidity, which allow listeria bacteria to grow. Cheeses made with unpasteurized (raw) milk are more likely to contain listeria, whereas pasteurization kills the bacteria and makes cheese safer to consume.
However, it's important to note that listeria infection may cause only mild symptoms in some people, and most infections go unnoticed. Still, those at higher risk should exercise caution when consuming soft cheeses and other potentially contaminated foods, such as hot dogs, deli meats, meat spreads, and smoked seafood.
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Symptoms of listeria infection
Listeriosis, the infection caused by the listeria bacteria, can be mild or life-threatening. The symptoms of a listeria infection depend on the infected person and the body part affected. The bacteria are most likely to harm pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Listeria symptoms usually start within a few days to two weeks after eating contaminated food, but it can take 30 days or more for the first signs and symptoms of infection to appear. If you are pregnant, you might have mild or no symptoms but can still pass the infection to the fetus.
Symptoms of a listeria infection include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, signs and symptoms can include bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication. Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or sensitivity to light.
If you have eaten contaminated food but are not feeling sick, most experts believe you do not need tests or treatment. However, if you are pregnant, are 65 years or older, or have a weakened immune system, it is important to let your healthcare provider know.
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Listeria in cheese: Treatment
Listeria in cheese is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences, especially for pregnant women and newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. While listeria bacteria can be found in various environments, such as soil, water, and animal feces, it is important to understand how it relates to cheese and what can be done to prevent and treat listeria infections.
Listeria bacteria can survive refrigeration and freezing, making certain types of cheese particularly susceptible to contamination. Soft cheeses, such as feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, queso fresco, and cotija cheese, are more likely to be contaminated than hard cheeses due to their high moisture content and low acidity. These soft cheeses often do not undergo a significant aging process, which could otherwise help kill listeria. Additionally, cheeses made with unpasteurized (raw) milk are more likely to contain listeria and other harmful bacteria.
To prevent listeria infections, it is recommended to avoid consuming soft cheeses, especially those made with unpasteurized milk, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. However, for those who still want to enjoy these cheeses, there are ways to reduce the risk of infection. Heating queso fresco-type cheeses or cheeses made with unpasteurized milk to 165°F or steaming hot can kill listeria bacteria. Cooking these cheeses as part of a dish, like enchiladas or casseroles, can also help reduce the risk. It is also crucial to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling these cheeses.
In terms of treatment for listeria infections, there is currently no specific information available regarding the treatment of listeria in cheese. However, seeking medical attention promptly if you suspect a listeria infection is crucial. Antibiotics are typically used to treat listeriosis, and steps may be taken to address any complications that arise from the infection. Additionally, staying informed about food recalls and outbreaks is essential to preventing listeria infections. Government agencies, such as the FDA and CDC, play a crucial role in investigating and addressing listeria outbreaks.
While listeria in cheese is a concerning issue, taking preventive measures, such as choosing pasteurized dairy products and practicing proper food handling, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. For those at higher risk, following the recommended guidelines and staying vigilant can help ensure their safety while still enjoying their favorite cheeses.
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Preventing listeria in cheese
Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems. It is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can be found in soil, water, and animal feces. While healthy people rarely become ill from Listeria infection, the disease can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent Listeria infection from cheese, it is important to choose pasteurized cheese over raw milk cheese. Cheese made with unpasteurized (raw) milk is more likely to contain Listeria and other harmful germs. Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks associated with raw milk consumption. The CDC recommends that everyone choose pasteurized milk and dairy products.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for cheeses that are clearly labeled as made with pasteurized milk, especially for soft cheeses such as feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and Mexican-style cheeses like queso blanco and queso fresco. Avoid cheeses that do not specify the type of milk used or those made with unpasteurized milk.
At home, maintain proper refrigerator temperatures to slow the growth of Listeria. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor the temperature regularly. Clean the inside walls and shelves of your refrigerator with hot water and a mild liquid dishwashing detergent, then rinse and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
If you are at higher risk for listeriosis and still want to consume queso fresco-type cheeses, the FDA recommends heating the cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F or steaming hot to kill harmful germs like Listeria. Cooking these cheeses as part of a dish, such as enchiladas or casseroles, can also reduce the risk of infection. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling these cheeses.
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Listeria in cheese: Food sources
Listeria is a foodborne bacterium that causes an illness called listeriosis. Listeria infection is rare, but it can be dangerous or even deadly. Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water, and animal feces. It is widespread in the environment and can contaminate a wide range of foods, but it is more common in ready-to-eat foods, such as soft cheeses, deli meats, and raw vegetables.
Soft cheeses, such as feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, queso fresco, and cotija cheese, have been linked to outbreaks of Listeria infection. These cheeses are high in moisture and low in acidity, which can support the growth of Listeria. In addition, cheeses made with unpasteurized (raw) milk are more likely to contain Listeria and other harmful germs. Heating queso fresco-type cheeses or cheeses made with unpasteurized milk to an internal temperature of 165°F or steaming hot kills harmful germs like Listeria.
Deli meats, including hot dogs, cold cuts, fermented or dry sausages, and meat spreads, have also been associated with Listeria outbreaks. These products are often contaminated after processing and can spread Listeria to deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and other foods. It is important to reheat deli meats until steaming hot and to wash hands after handling these products.
Other food sources of Listeria include raw vegetables contaminated by soil or manure used as fertilizer, raw milk and products made from it, such as yogurt and ice cream, and ready-to-eat cold-smoked or cured fish products. Pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness from Listeria infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not possible to see listeria on cheese, but it is most commonly found in soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as queso fresco, cotija, feta, brie, Camembert, and blue cheese.
Listeria is a disease-causing bacteria that can be found in soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals.
People get infected with listeria by eating contaminated food, such as raw vegetables, processed foods, and dairy products made with unpasteurized milk.
Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In severe cases, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
To prevent listeria infection, it is recommended to avoid or properly handle high-risk foods, such as soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products. Wash hands, utensils, and food surfaces before and after cooking, and keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
